Operation: Mindcrime (band)

Operation: Mindcrime
Genres Progressive metal, heavy metal, hard rock
Years active 2014–present
Associated acts Queensrÿche
Website operationmindcrime.com
Members Geoff Tate
John Moyer
Simon Wright
Tim Fernley
Kelly Gray
Randy Gane
Brian Tichy
Scott Moughton[1]

Operation: Mindcrime is a hard rock band that is fronted by the former lead singer of Queensrÿche, Geoff Tate, and features members such as John Moyer (also known for being in Disturbed) and Simon Wright (also known for his work with AC/DC and Ronnie James Dio). The group signed a worldwide deal in December 2014 with Frontiers Music Srl for its coming releases. Their debut album, The Key, which is part one of a trilogy, was released on September 18, 2015.[2]

History

Singer-songwriter Geoff Tate is pictured here in 2004 in Düsseldorf, Germany.

Tate was fired from Queensrÿche in 2012, as his relationship with the rest of the band had deteriorated. The acrimonious split caused a considerable amount of discord among fans and major lawsuits began. Tate filed suit for wrongful termination while the band counter-sued citing what it alleged as violent behavior by Tate. With an ongoing court case over the rights to use the name 'Queensrÿche' going on, Tate announced his own line-up under the name, leading to two bands using the name while actively touring at the same time.[3] Tate's group released the album Frequency Unknown, produced and mixed by Jason Slater, on April 23, 2013 in the U.S. Although selling well, the release picked up mixed reviews from music critics and somewhat of a fan backlash.

Following a settlement, Tate was granted the exclusive performance rights to the band's concept albums Operation: Mindcrime (1988), and Operation: Mindcrime II (2006). Those two releases garnered both critical praise and widespread commercial success for the group, with Tate then serving as its frontman. In return, musicians Michael Wilton, Scott Rockenfield, Todd La Torre, and Eddie Jackson retained all rights to the 'Queensrÿche' brand.[4][5]

Tate was allowed, according to the settlement, to perform with his own line-up under the name 'Queensrÿche' until his tour concluded on August 31, 2014, after which his group announced to adopt the official name 'Operation: Mindcrime'.[5] The La Torre-fronted Queensrÿche has retained the right to perform material coming from and related to the two Operation: Mindcrime albums live. The legal set-up is somewhat similar to that of Roger Waters' relationship to his former group Pink Floyd, in which both artists have performed songs from The Wall live.

About the group, Tate has said, "It is so refreshing to be able to concentrate on the many stories and ideas that I have been working on with no boundaries or restrictions." He's also remarked, "I think fans will continue to enjoy the music we create and perform together and hope they share this new musical journey with us."

In late 2014, Tate began working on a new concept album. Planned as a trilogy of albums, he has claimed it as one of his most ambitious works to date.[4][5] The band signed a worldwide deal with Frontiers Music Srl for its coming releases in December 2014.

In 2015, John Moyer, Brian Tichy, and Scott Moughton became full time members after the departures of Rudy Sarzo and Robert Sarzo.

Their debut album and first of the trilogy, The Key, was released on September 18, 2015. The album features a guest appearance from Megadeth bassist David Ellefson.[6]

Discography

Band members

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ "Operation: Mindcrime". operationmindcrime.com. Retrieved 2014-08-03.
  2. ↑ "Geoff Tate's Operation: Mindcrime Signs With Frontiers Music". Blabbermouth.net. December 2, 2014. Retrieved December 9, 2014.
  3. ↑ "Geoff Tate Wins Court Ruling to Continue Using Queensryche Name". Loudwire.com. October 20, 2012. Retrieved December 7, 2014.
  4. 1 2 "Geoff Tate's QueensrŸche To Forge Ahead As Operation: Mindcrime". Blabbermouth.net. July 30, 2014. Retrieved December 7, 2014.
  5. 1 2 3 "QueensrŸche: More Settlement Details Revealed In Dispute Over Ownership Of Name". Blabbermouth.net. May 5, 2014. Retrieved December 7, 2014.
  6. ↑ "Geoff Tate's Operation: Mindcrime Detail Their Debut Album, 'The Key'". Music Enthusiast Magazine. July 2, 2015. Retrieved July 2, 2015.
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